Light is the magical ingredient that makes or breaks the space (Quote by Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz)
Carrying out a refurb project? Don’t leave planning the lighting design to the last minute!
Reasons to plan lighting well in your refurb / renovation work-
1) It is less disruptive when there is a plan in place while the rest of the works are going on.
2) A well-planned design would make your lighting scheme user friendly i.e., it would be designed to suit how you would like it to work.
3) A well-planned design with help you get realistic quotes and timelines from contractors.
4) You can better plan for funds required for the lighting scheme.
5) Take advantage of any special offers or sales on products you aspire to have in your space.
A lighting plan would usually consist of-
1) Location of fittings
2) Switches & sockets for an integrated layout for the electrician
3) Wiring and circuits diagrams
4) Other items like AV, Security systems components
A lighting plan would be generally designed around-
i) The use of room
ii) Who is using and
iii) Time of the day
iv) Location of key feature areas /artwork walls etc.
Types of lighting-
a) Ambient lighting- Background or overall lighting
Example- recessed downlights, pendants
b) Task lighting – Focused lighting for desks, worktops in kitchen
Example – under cabinet lighting in kitchen
c) Accent/ Feature lighting- Mood lighting that can bring up a space to life (See image below)
Example- Picture / Artwork lighting, low pendants on dining table, hidden LED strips in furniture
It is important to create layers of lighting i.e. put together different types of light sources with options to be able to use on its own or together to create different effects.
For example, 1) In a kitchen use background lighting using downlights , with task lighting under cabinets and accent lighting using LED strip lights at the plinth level. Or 2) In a living room - a combination of ceiling lights, floor lamp & LED strip light on feature wall ( see image below).
Using an expert-
An expert will come with wealth of experience and would be able to put your ideas and thoughts combined with their design into a comprehensive scheme for your electrician to use. When it comes to buying fittings and fixtures, they might be able to get you some considerable savings.
Using smart lighting-
Advantages of smart lighting-
1) Control lights when away, acts as a security feature
2) Voice control with home assistants
3) Use features like controlling fittings individually or in groups – programme your own circuits
4) Use features like changing colours of fittings individually or in groups
5) Set mood at one click on your phone
Smart light bulbs are an easy choice for these type of functions and can work with most home assistants.
Lighting plays a very important role in bringing up a space to life. Plan ahead an make use of this design element to make your home or work space beautiful.
Comments